Foster Dosage/Direction for Use

Foster is for inhalation use.
Always use Foster exactly as told by the doctor or pharmacist. Check with the doctor or pharmacist if unsure.
Asthma: The doctor will give regular check-up to make sure the patient is taking the optimal dose of Foster. The doctor will adjust the treatment to the lowest dose that best controls the symptoms.
Foster can be prescribed in two different ways: a) use Foster every day to treat the asthma together with a separate 'reliever' inhaler to treat sudden worsening of asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing and cough; b) use Foster every day to treat the asthma and also use Foster to treat sudden worsening of the asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing and cough.
Using Foster together with a separate 'reliever': Adults and the elderly: The recommended dose is one or two puffs twice daily.
The maximum daily dose is 4 puffs.
Remember: The patient should always have his/her quick-acting 'reliever' inhaler at all times to treat worsening symptoms of asthma or a sudden asthma attack.
Using Foster as the only asthma inhaler: Adults and the elderly: The recommended dose is one puff in the morning and one puff in the evening.
The patient should also use Foster as a 'reliever' inhaler to treat sudden asthma symptoms.
If the patient gets asthma symptoms, take one puff and wait a few minutes.
If the patient does not feel better, take another puff.
Do not take more than 6 reliever puffs per day.
The maximum daily dose of Foster is 8 puffs.
If the patient feels the need for more puffs each day to control the asthma symptoms, contact the doctor to seek advice. He/she may need to change the treatment.
Use in children and adolescents less than 18 years of age: Children and adolescents aged less than 18 years must not take this medicine.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Adults and the elderly: The recommended dose is two puffs in the morning and two puffs in the evening.
At-risk patients: Older people do not need to have their dose adjusted. No information is available regarding the use of Foster in people with liver or kidney problems.
Foster is effective for the treatment of asthma in a dose of beclometasone dipropionate which may be lower than that of some other inhalers containing beclometasone dipropionate. If the patient has been using a different inhaler containing beclometasone dipropionate previously, the doctor will advise on the exact dose of Foster that should be taken for asthma.
Do not increase the dose: If the patient feels that the medicine is not very effective, always talk to the doctor before increasing the dose.
If the patient forgets to use Foster: Take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose, just take the next dose at the correct time. Do not double the dose.
If the patient stops using Foster: Do not lower the dose or stop using the medication.
Even if the patient is feeling better, do not stop taking Foster or lower the dose. If the patient wants to do this, talk to the doctor. It is very important to use Foster regularly even though the patient may have no symptoms.
If breathing gets worse: If the patient develops worsening shortness of breath or wheezing (breathing with an audible whistling sound), straight after inhaling the medicine, stop using Foster inhaler immediately and use the quick-acting 'reliever' inhaler straightaway. The patient should contact the doctor straightaway. The doctor will assess the symptoms and if necessary may start a different course of treatment. The doctor will evaluate symptoms and if necessary start a new treatment. See Side Effects.
If the asthma gets worse: If the symptoms get worse or are difficult to control (e.g. using the 'reliever' inhaler more frequently) or if the 'reliever' inhaler or Foster does not improve the symptoms, see the doctor immediately. The asthma may be getting worse and the doctor may need to change the dose of Foster or prescribe alternative treatment.
If the patient has any further questions on the use of this product, ask the doctor or pharmacist.
Method of administration: Before using the inhaler for the first time or if the patient has not used the inhaler for 14 days or more, release one puff into the air to make sure the inhaler is working properly. Whenever possible, stand or sit in an upright position when inhaling.
1. Remove the protective cap from the mouthpiece and check that the mouthpiece is clean and free from dust and dirt or any other foreign objects.
2. Breathe out as slowly and deeply as possible.
3. Hold the canister vertically with its body upwards and put the lips around the mouthpiece. Do not bite the mouthpiece.
4. Breathe in slowly and deeply through the mouth and, just after starting to breathe in press down on the top of the inhaler to release one puff.
5. Hold the breathe for as long as possible and, finally, remove the inhaler from the mouth and breathe out slowly. Do not breathe into the inhaler.
After use, close with the protective cap.
If the patient needs to take another puff, keep the inhaler in the vertical position for about half a minute, then repeat steps 2 to 5.
Important: Do not perform steps 2 to 5 too quickly.
If the patient sees 'mist' coming from the top of the inhaler or the sides of the mouth, start again from step 2.
If the patient has weak hands, it may be easier to hold the inhaler with both hands: hold the upper part of the inhaler with both index fingers and its lower part with both thumbs.
To lower the risk of a fungal infection in the mouth and throat, rinse the mouth or gargle with water or brush the teeth each time the inhaler is used.
If the patient thinks the effect of Foster is too much or not enough, tell the doctor or pharmacist.
If the patient finds it difficult to operate the inhaler while starting to breathe in the patient may use the AeroChamber Plus spacer device. Ask the doctor, pharmacist or a nurse about this device.
Cleaning: Remove the cap from the mouthpiece and regularly (once weekly) wipe the outside and inside of the mouthpiece with a dry cloth. Do not use water or other liquids to clean the mouthpiece.
It is important that the patient reads the package leaflet which is supplied with the AeroChamber Plus spacer device and that the patient follows the instructions on how to use the AeroChamber Plus spacer device and how to clean it, carefully.